This list features a strong pool of high-profile wicketkeeper batters available in the auction.
The IPL 2025 mega auction is just around the corner, and franchises are ready to spend big to secure top players. With teams only allowed to retain up to six players, many have had to let go of key players, especially wicketkeepers. This has created a strong pool of high-profile wicketkeeper batters available in the auction, as only a few teams have retained wicketkeepers in their squads.
As teams prepare for the next IPL season, there are several wicketkeepers who could spark fierce bidding war at the auction.
Let’s look at the 10 wicketkeeper-batters who can start a bidding war at the IPL 2025 Auction.
Quinton de Kock, who was released by Lucknow Super Giants before the auction, had a quiet IPL 2024. However, his experience makes him an attractive option for teams looking for an opener. De Kock has played 107 IPL matches and scored 3157 runs. While his performances in the past two seasons were below average, he is still capable of producing match-winning performances.
Teams like Mumbai Indians might consider bidding for Quinton de Kock, as he has previously played for them. He could open the batting alongside Rohit Sharma, giving the team a strong start, and also provide a reliable wicketkeeping option. Lucknow Super Giants do have the option to use the Right to Match (RTM) card, but it’s unlikely that they will use it for de Kock.
Phil Salt, after his time with Kolkata Knight Riders, has become a powerful player in T20 cricket. His ability to take control of the game from the very beginning makes him a valuable asset. He played a big role in KKR’s IPL 2024 title victory, but the team still decided to release him. Since KKR has already retained six players, they cannot use the Right to Match (RTM) card, meaning Salt will be up for grabs in the auction.
In IPL 2024, Salt played 12 matches, scoring 435 runs with a strike rate of 182.01. His wicketkeeping skills, along with his ability to start strong and give a quick start in the powerplay, make him a valuable player. He is expected to be in high demand and fetch a good price in the upcoming auction.
It came as a surprise when Rajasthan Royals released their star player, Jos Buttler, before the auction. Buttler had been one of their top performers for the last three seasons, with his best year being 2022, when he scored 863 runs in 17 matches. In IPL 2024, he scored 359 runs in 11 matches, including a match-winning century against KKR and another century.
Buttler’s base price is INR 2 crores, and teams like KKR might be interested in him. He can fill the opening slot, just like KKR had Phil Salt in IPL 2024. Buttler also offers wicketkeeping and leadership skills, making him an attractive option. Given his value, Buttler is sure to spark a bidding war, as many franchises will be keen to have him on their team.
Jonny Bairstow was released by Punjab Kings before the auction. While he didn’t have a standout performance with PBKS, his skills as a powerful opener and wicketkeeper still make him a valuable pick for many teams. His experience and hitting ability are things that franchises will look for in the auction.
Bairstow has played 50 IPL games, scoring a total of 1589 runs. He only needs a few good games to find his rhythm, and once he does, he’s hard to stop. With a base price of INR 2 crores, he’s expected to draw interest from several teams. Although PBKS has four Right to Match (RTM) cards, it’s unlikely they will use one for Bairstow.
Devon Conway was a key player for CSK over two seasons, showing reliability at the top of the order. Although he missed IPL 2024 due to injury, his impressive 2023 performance, scoring 672 runs in 16 matches, highlighted his ability to adapt across various pitches.
Conway is expected to draw strong interest in the IPL 2025 mega auction. CSK has one Right to Match card left, which they might use on him, but many other teams are also likely to bid for him.
Rishabh Pant, who was released by DC before the auction, has only ever played for them in the IPL. He’s been a consistent performer, scoring over 300 runs in almost every season, including 446 runs in 13 matches during IPL 2024.
With many franchises reportedly interested in Pant, he’s expected to be in high demand. Teams are looking for an Indian wicketkeeper who can also take on a leadership role, making him a valuable option. Pant has set his base price at INR 2 crores, and his auction could spark a bidding war. Even if DC wants to get him back with a Right to Match, it may be challenging for them.
KL Rahul, who was released by LSG before the auction, remains a well-known name in the IPL due to his experience. He has scored over 400 runs in several seasons, including 520 runs in 14 matches during IPL 2024.
Despite some criticism over his strike rate, he is considered a valuable addition, especially for teams who are looking for a captain. Teams like RCB, KKR, and DC need a reliable captain and wicketkeeper, and Rahul can be a good choice for them. Although LSG has a Right to Match option, it’s unlikely they will use it on him. KL Rahul base price for the auction is INR 2 crores.
Ishan Kishan, the energetic wicketkeeper-batter, was released by the Mumbai Indians before the auction, sparking considerable interest from other franchises. Known for his powerful hitting and consistent wicketkeeping, Kishan has a strong IPL record, with 2,644 runs in 105 matches.
With a base price of INR 2 crores, Kishan is expected to be one of the top picks in the auction. Mumbai Indians have already retained their five capped players, which means they won’t be able to use their Right to Match option on him.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, a powerful wicketkeeper and opening batsman, was released by KKR before the auction. In IPL 2024, with Phil Salt as the main keeper, Gurbaz mostly served as a backup and played only the last three matches. In the 2023 season, he got more opportunities, playing 11 matches, but he couldn’t score much.
Despite his IPL numbers not standing out, Gurbaz has shown his potential in recent international matches. His ability to score quickly makes him an appealing option for teams needing a dynamic opener. With KKR already retaining six players, they won’t have a Right to Match option for Gurbaz, so he’ll be available for other teams to bid on.
Jitesh Sharma, a middle-order wicketkeeper-batsman, was released by PBKS before the auction. Known for his role as a finisher, he impressed in IPL 2022 and 2023 with a strike rate over 150, which even earned him a national team call-up. However, his form dipped in IPL 2024, where he averaged just 17 with a strike rate of 131.69 across 14 games.
The 31-year-old also served as vice-captain for PBKS and stepped in as captain for a few matches, showing his readiness for leadership roles. In a recent interview with ESPNcricinfo , Jitesh expressed interest in playing for MI or CSK if he doesn’t stay with PBKS. With four Right to Match options, PBKS might consider using one for Jitesh.
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